Fertilizer placement effects on eclipta (Eclipta prostrata) growth and competition with container-grown ornamentals

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of fertilizer placement on the growth of eclipta [Eclipta prostrata(L.) L.] and evaluate its interference with container-grown ornamental plants, including Japanese boxwood (Buxus microphyllaSiebold & Zucc.) and ligustrum (Ligustrum lucidumW.T. Aiton). Results indicated that subdressing reducedE. prostratashoot weight by 28%, 42%, and 46% at depths of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 cm, respectively, in comparison with a topdressed fertilizer treatment (a standard industry practice). Presence ofE. prostratareduced the growth of both ornamental species. Ligustrum shoot weight decreased as subdressing depth increased, while boxwood growth was most notably reduced at the 7.5-cm depth in comparison with topdressed containers. Overall, results indicated that subdressing may be an effective weed management strategy, but subdressing depth needs to be based on initial liner size to prevent possibly delays in production time.